Alcohol and Drugs Relapse

 

Alcohol and Drugs Relapse

 

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-crying-568021/

 

 

What is Relapse?

Relapse occurs when an alcoholic or a drug user who has been abstaining from alcohol intake or drug use returns to taking these substances. The triggers that cause this relapse include:

#1 Rejection

#2 Depression

#3 Financial Problems

#4 Relationship Issues

#5 Work-Related Problems

#6 Emotional and Physical Stress

#7 Mental and Physical Health Issues

 

How to Prevent Relapse

Relapse doesn’t mean that you have failed; what you need to do is replace the habits with new ones by:

#1 Adopting a healthier lifestyle and behavior.

#2 Developing a good and healthy food diet.

#3 Building a positive self-image and self-control.

#4 Engaging in healthy activities—avoid boredom.

#5 Steering clear of people and places that trigger your substance use.

#6 Joining a strong support group and keeping a group of supportive friends and family.

 

 

If you have experienced a relapse or currently going through one, you don’t have to feel less of a human. Getting over a habit such as alcohol or drug abuse and turning a new leaf is a process. Don’t beat yourself up. Take courage, speak with people who can help you, and break off.

 

Attend therapy sessions, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, and stay accountable. It takes a lot of strong will and self-control to break off a habit, which is why you need to stay among a community of people who can be of great help to you.

 

Make sure you dig deep into why you relapsed and use that as a means of identifying your triggers so that you can avoid co-occurring disorders associated with substance abuse.

 

 

Holli Kenley said,

 

 “Shame serves to fuel and feed relapse. Further relapse fuels and feeds shame.”

 

 Do not allow fear or shame when you relapse; rather, stay accountable to those who can help you.

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

Signs That You Are Stressed

 

Signs That You Are Stressed

 

https://pixabay.com/photos/stress-man-hand-flames-burn-fire-543658/

Being self-aware is key to dealing with stress. The moment you understand the signs that accompany your stressors, it becomes easy to quickly manage the situation. Different experiences cause stress in different individuals. The causes of stress in a teenager and an adult are not always the same, but when you feel the following, then you are likely stressed:

1. Fear

2. Anxiety

3. Irritation

4. Aggression

5. Physical Tiredness

6. Lack of Motivation

7. Emotionally Drained

8. Loss of Sexual Interest

9. Sadness and Depression

10. Constant Headache

11. Hyperventilation or Shortage of Breath

These signs are pointers to you that you need a break and when you experience either of them or similar signs, you need to take some time out to consider the causes. You should consider if it is one of your stressors or a new situation. If it is caused by one of your stressors, you should handle it the way you normally manage the situation. If it is a new situation, you might want to seek professional help to have a total grasp of the situation.

Never ignore any of these signs. They should be dealt with immediately, so they do not result in critical issues that could be out of your control and the control of those around you. Remember, prevention is better than cure. If you are confused about what causes either good or bad stress in you, kindly speak out. Speak with a family member, a friend, or even a professional. Sometimes, talking about a situation with another person helps put it in perspective.

 

Maureen Killoran said,

 

“Stress is not what happens to us; it is our response to what happens.

And the response is something we can choose.”

 

So, choose to speak up if you think you need help or a break.

 

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

 

Stress: Causes and Prevention

 

Stress: Causes and Prevention

https://pixabay.com/photos/stress-burnout-man-person-events-3853148/

 

Stress is a feeling that comes with being overwhelmed and pressured. It comes when a lot of demand is laid on us physically, emotionally, and mentally. It is very important to note that no one is immune to stress; we all go through this experience. Therefore, we need to understand our stressors and how to control them. 

 

Causes of Stress

We all must understand that the causes of stress in humans differ, although there are some common stressors like:

1. Change

2. Work Stress

3. Family Issue

4. Indecisiveness

5. Financial Burden

5. Relationship Issue

7. Work/School Bullying

8. Engaging in Too Many Activities

9. Lack of Control Over a Situation

10. Guilt and Condemnation for Not Starting or Completing a Task When Due

 

Prevention of Stress

Stress can lead to health issues if not properly managed, so it is important to become self-aware and identify situations that may result in stress. Understanding your stressors is key to living a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally. Some ways to prevent stress are:

1. Eat healthy meals.

2. Exercise at regular intervals.

3. Engage in activities that relax you.

4. Get enough rest during the day and enough sleep at night.

5. Learn money management and plan your finance effectively.

6. Maintain a positive mindset no matter what the situation might be.

7. Understand and accept that not all things can be under your control.

8. Stay close to people who can provide you with emotional support when you need it.

9. Learn to say no when people are trying to add extra work to your already busy schedule.

 

Whenever you are stressed, always have in your mind what Wayne Dyer said:

 

“You can’t always control what goes on outside,

 but you can always control what goes on inside.”

 

So, the number one place to keep safe to avoid going through the rigor that comes with bad stress is your mind. Keep a healthy mindset no matter what you’re facing.

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

Common Triggers of Alcohol and Drug Use

 

Common Triggers of Alcohol and Drug Use

 

https://www.pexels.com/photo/confident-woman-standing-with-wineglass-and-cigarette-4947275/

Quitting drinking and drug use can be a challenging and difficult process. You didn’t develop the problem overnight, so overcoming your addiction will not happen overnight either. It is not uncommon to suffer a relapse. However, understanding what might trigger your relapse is one of the first steps towards prevention.

 

Here are four triggers you should watch out for:

1.Stress

Stress is one of the major triggers of alcohol abuse and drug use. And people who struggle with addiction always feel an increasing need to use alcohol and drugs when stressed, especially if it was their primary coping mechanism. Although you can’t eliminate everything from your life, you should avoid situations that cause you extreme stress.

 

2.People or Places Connected to Your Behavior

People and places who are part of your addictive lifestyle are potential triggers for relapse. It is best to avoid your drinking buddies and those who remind you of your former lifestyle.

 

3.Negative Emotions

People who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse need to have effective ways of managing negative feelings. Drugs and alcohol are used to provide temporary relief from negative feelings in your life, but you can’t rely on them again. Learn how to deal with uncomfortable feelings and emotions.

 

4.Seeing the Object of Your Addiction

Reminders of your previous lifestyle can cause a relapse while recovering.  A whiff of cannabis, watching people drink at bars are triggers you might see everywhere. It is normal for you to feel like going back, but recovering is not just about abstaining; it is about building a new life that is easier, desirable, and free of addiction.

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

 

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

Forget “13 Reasons Why” Try 3 Ways to Approach “The Suicide Talk”

Forget “13 Reasons Why” Try 3 Ways to Approach “The Suicide Talk”

Today the suicide rate of teens have increased drastically. According to USA Today (March 2018), “…suicidal thoughts and actions more than doubled from 2008 to 2015.” The mental health of youth is an important factor that needs to be addressed effectively and without shame.

I recently read an article that attributed the film and TV series “13 Reasons Why” to the increase of teen suicide. Realistically, the show cannot be the main contributing factor to the rise of teen suicide. The lack of sufficient and useful knowledge is the issue. It’s  time to look at how the conversation of suicide is approached.

#1 Research, Relate, Recite

The best way to talk about it is to know about it. The internet offers many reliable and credible sources to gain the knowledge you need about dealing with teen suicide. Try searching Amazon for some great books.

#2 Support and Success

Your local support groups and community resources can provide hope in a hopeless situation. Hearing others’ struggles and success stories can be very educational and eye opening to the reality of suicide and its effects. You can use Google to locate your nearest suicide support group. NAMI is another great community outreach resource. Remember if the first resource or support group does not fit your style, don’t give up, visit others until you find the right one.

#3 Do It The Professional Way

Don’t be ashamed to seek professional advice and guidance. Your local psychiatrist or therapist can give you the insight you need into suicide facts and prevention. The majority of EAPs and insurance will cover the fee for free. The sessions are confidential so don’t worry about who will know you attended a therapy session.

For immediate attention call the suicide prevention lifeline at 

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

If you are bothered by approaching the topic of suicide let GMC take on the task that can save lives.

Schedule a FREE consultation at ginmanconsulting.setmore.com

Visit ginmanconsulting.com for more information.

Follow us on social media for tips that provide motivation, inspiration, guidance and support.

Facebook: GinMan Consulting

Twitter: @GinManCounselor

Instagram: ginmanconsulting